Association History

Dan Bender – December 8, 2020

Recently it was suggested that maybe some further association history be added to my first “recollection” writing. Therefore, I looked at the earlier writing and decided to leave it as is, in its purest form from “back in the day.” However, I would suggest that my comment “I wrote this article a few years ago” might now be considered as “many years ago!”

These writings might be considered as being prologue and epilogues, but most important is the “dialogue” about what has transpired in the California Delivery Associations history (originally known as the Association of Messenger Courier Services founded 1987.) And also for you, in your efforts towards progress in the ever changing environments and challenges that face your businesses. It is up to you and your CDA to continue “delivering the message” to those who need to hear it.

First a little background information. I joined AMCS, now the CDA, when President of Western States Courier. Also, back in those days, I joined another group of “maverick” delivery outfits to form and found the (MCAA) Messenger Courier Association of America, now known as the (CLDA) Customized Logistics Delivery Association.

As primarily a routed delivery company WSC used large Auto Club metro area maps mounted over wall boards. Various “stick push pins” some colored, some with writeable pennant type tabs were inserted so we had large “coded” physical views of most customers and locations. Sometimes colored yarn connected groups for designated routes. These were augmented by an abundant supply of must have Thomas Bros map books. I often dreamed or thought how cool it would be to light up the boards, and then somehow in the future be able to show where our driver vehicles were in “real time.” Gee…it came true, and in much smaller useful sizes, along with the other high tech gadgets and gizmos now available to this industry.

When Ron Broberg retired, I was asked and tasked with returning as Executive Director of the California Delivery Association. Many of the original companies were still members along with new companies, some of whom were also regional and/or national carriers. There were also new types of our valued associate members representing the latest innovations and products being used in the transportation industry.

Regarding the association Presidents named in the first writing, Rick Pople served a couple terms following JR Dicker. Andrew Brady again returned to the helm and is now serving as President. All of these leaders, and their Board of Director members, dedicate their time and efforts on behalf of the CDA and should be applauded for the work that they did, and still do.

Some new outreach programs like “Lunch & Learn” meetings brought the CDA message to members geographically outside the major metro zones. Other meetings and conventions continued to bring members together, while the CDA magazines offered articles and insight. The website offered additional opportunities for information and use. “Sacramento Days” came about to help address the constant regulation change and challenges such as EDD classifications, Work Comp, Motor Carrier Permits (or the lack thereof regarding the advent of TNC’s). Those were very busy times for the association and membership.

Now with CDA members having to navigate new challenges and dangers my heart goes out to you. With more government mandates, “covid” shutdowns, fires, protests, riots, masks, earthquakes, floods, etc, the delivery business is even more precarious…but also even more necessary…and to do so safely. Some of your CDA members have already experienced and survived similar disruptions, while others have not. Try to help fellow members and please continue with your good works, stay safe, sane, and healthy.

May your current and continuing efforts bring favor and guidance to your companies and association. Keep on truckin’

Dan Bender, December 8, 2020

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As recalled by Dan Bender (Around 2012)

I wrote this article a few years ago, but I think it may be useful to the many new members, as well as the long term membership. Knowing your roots, and where you came from, can help guide you to where you should be going.

Since the original article, Mike Barbata passed the President’s baton to Donna Springer, who passed it on to Andrew Brady, and then to Rick Chase, and now to our current President, JR Dicker.

These leaders have provided a lot of hard work and dedication to the association.

(Around 2005) There were several early players that probably retain some memories, or details important to the founding of the association, but because I’m a sucker, I was asked to write an article about some of the association early history before it gets lost. I know some of it is already lost from my brain cells having given way to the ravages of…just being in this business! So before it all goes, here it is.

In the early times, a group of Southern California courier and messenger types got together to see if they could work on some common ground without any shots being fired. While I never saw any guns displayed, there were plenty of holsters, but usually containing those giant sized two way radios that you hoped were still functional and that their private radio towers were not down. Also, we can’t forget the big pagers that only meant “call the office”. It certainly was a different world for business equipment and methods during this period. Remember, there were no cell phones, internet, few PC’s (remember Commodore), and fax machines were just starting to show up.

Me, being from an Orange County routed courier, and the first “outsider” with the LA boys, was quite interested in this group of characters. Some of these were Irwin Winston, Steve Hamile, Mike Dinardo, Jeff & Caryl Millen (the only female), Harvey, Bob Ruben, Jeff Rhodes, Jack Nissim, Jack Averill, Chet & Harry Bohrer, John Hussey, Jay Krupp, and others that escape me. The Association of Messenger & Courier Services was born from these people taking the time and effort to do it.

The first meetings were held in a locker room at the Culver City Veterans Park building. It was a fitting location for this type of assemblage to see just who was who, while hoping they would not try to steal your accounts, dispatchers, or drivers, and of course it was handy in case any fights might break out. The food and beverage service consisted of several cases of beer, cold cuts, chips, etc, usually retrieved at the last minute from a local convenience store.

Simple business did get done with an “official” board of directors and officers. Some of the issues for this group were soaring work comp costs (the IC folks didn’t care), companies without PUC permits, and LA mayor Tom Bradley doing away with parking on downtown streets. The group did succeed in meeting with Tom and his staff to formulate some methods for certain “free time” and space at various parking lots and garages.

The first two presidents were Steve Miley and Mike Dinardo; they did a great job in getting this fledgling organization off the ground and focused on group issues. Bob Ruben became the next leader. During Bob’s watch it became apparent that companies in the San Francisco bay area were interested in becoming members. The Southern group wanted to be sure that its interests and funds would still be in the forefront, while the Northern group wanted to start getting involved. Christine Buteyn assisted as the first official Executive Director. Both the South and the North knew that a “California” association would be better able to tackle industry issues. Calls and meetings were held to see how all interests could be accommodated, and ways were worked out for success. Joel Ritch, Lenny Farin, Ernie Holbrook, and Bart Cavallaro were some who were instrumental in starting what became the Northern Chapter.

Joe Kent became the first association president from the north. The next two presidents Lenny Farin and Mike Hubert, also came from northern companies. I served a stint as Executive Director before turning it over to Ron Broberg during Mike’s term.

IRS audits for driver reimbursement methods (Accountable Plan) were the big issue for a couple years, along with the constant tug of wars with Comp and Non Owned & Hired insurance carriers. Some of the bay area airports and cities were trying to create “special” additional taxes, fees, stickers and such to get more revenue from delivery companies. The association was successful in blocking most of these efforts. Your CA permit and tax is still valuable in blocking city business license fees and excise taxes.

Caryl Millen became the first female president of the association. During Caryls’ term many of the earlier issues were still to be dealt with, as well as increased union activity. Also, while AMCS scored a victory with Rule 44, Work Comp rates were becoming the highest ever, and many companies were beginning to adapt to using independent contract drivers.

John Slaughter had the next watch as president. During his term, Third Party Administrators (TPAs) became more active since many businesses were choosing the IC route for their business plan. It was also decided that since more operators had branched into other lines of deliveries, the original Association of Messenger & Courier Services name no longer represented the breadth of our member’s activities. AMCS then became the CDA, California Delivery Association.

Our current president, and retiring president is Mike Barbata. What can I say about Mike and the issues that you don’t already know about. If you are not aware of his efforts, those of the board of directors, and Ron Broberg, then you must be in some other association or business. Mike has done an extraordinary job of dealing with complex issues, while moving your association along, and communicating with the members. Thank you Mike Barbata for devoting your time and effort!!!

Many of the association members have been through earthquakes, devastating fires, riots and such, all while helping support each other to make it. In closing, I just want to say associations are formed for groups to be able to communicate and advance important issues. There always was, and always will be, outside influences determined to affect the way you do business. Only as a determined group can you confront these onslaughts. Pay attention to issues, meet your fellow members, and contribute to your association. Keep and support the spirit of your association and each other.